Health and Safety Podcast Transcript: August 11, 2009

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast for
August 11, 2009. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency information
officer. Coming up, learn about upcoming emergency preparedness meetings
for houses of worship and their members; and tips for staying cool during
the summer heat. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found
online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Is your house of worship prepared for emergencies or disasters?

There is a free two-and-a-half hour class to prepare faith
community representatives to effectively serve members of faith
communities and their neighbors during local emergencies and
disasters – including the pandemic flu. This special workshop for
clergy, lay leaders and staff will outline what happens in Fairfax County
during an emergency. You will have the opportunity to establish
relationships with the Office of Emergency Management and nonprofit
organizations that are active in disasters.

Two sessions will be held, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with exhibits and
registration from 6 to 7 p.m. and the program from 7 to 9:30 p.m., and on
Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8-9 a.m. for exhibits and registration with the
program from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Although these classes are free, registration is required. Please e-mail
your name, organization, phone number and e-mail address along with the
session(s) you wish to attend to CILUSER@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Call 703-324-3453 for more information.

Fairfax County encourages residents to stay safe by seeking relief from
summer heat. Heat takes the greatest toll on the very young and the very
old, especially children younger than 5 and adults older than 65. Intense
summer temperatures also greatly affect people who are already sick or
take certain medications, including diuretics, antihistamines,
beta-blockers and tranquilizers.

The needs of Fairfax County’s vulnerable populations, including the
homeless, elderly and those with special medical needs, are heightened
during conditions such as extreme heat. Residents are encouraged to take
a few minutes to check in on individuals who need special attention to
ensure their well-being. Residents who need immediate, life-saving help
should call 9-1-1. For other safety help, call the public safety
non-emergency phone number at 703-691-2131.

To keep cool:

Drink plenty of water; avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because
they dehydrate the body.

Stay indoors as much as possible. Spend time in an air-conditioned
place if possible; resting for just two hours in air conditioning can
significantly reduce heat-related illnesses.

Slow down. Avoid strenuous physical activities or reschedule them for
the coolest part of the day, usually the early morning.

Eat light meals.

Don’t take salt tablets unless directed by a doctor.

Wear light-colored clothing, which helps reflect sunlight.

Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sunburn makes it more difficult for
the body to cool off.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a car — not even for a few
minutes. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature in a car
on a 93-degree day can soar to 125 degrees in just 20 minutes and
approximately 140 degrees in 40 minutes.

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety
Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia government. Thanks for
listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and
emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And
remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.